Exploring the Ancient Wonders of Dujiangyan

The following day, we set off to visit the famous Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking scenery and rich history. The area is dotted with charming landmarks—a towering pagoda, serene temples, and a picturesque old town that feels like stepping back in time. What makes this place so special are the two elegant bridges linking the old town, creating a postcard-perfect scene. Wandering through the narrow streets, we found lively stalls selling delicious street food, along with cozy little shops offering freshly brewed tea and coffee—perfect for a leisurely break. The journey from Chengdu took about 80 minutes, and we arrived just in time for a late lunch. The weather was lovely—warm with a gentle breeze—making it ideal for exploring. We couldn’t resist trying some local snacks, especially the crispy potato pancakes—golden and crunchy on the outside, soft and flavourful on the inside, stuffed with fillings of your choice. An absolute must-try! After filling up on tasty bites, we decided to tackle the pagoda climb for a bird’s-eye view of the ancient irrigation system. The entrance fee was 80 RMB per person, and while the ascent was no easy feat (think steep stairs and plenty of them!), we took our time, pausing at the resting spots to catch our breath. And let me tell you—the view from the top was worth every step! The sprawling landscape of waterways and lush greenery was simply mesmerising. We lingered up there for a while, soaking in the panoramic views and snapping plenty of photos before making our way back down. Exhausted but happy, we treated ourselves to a pot of fragrant tea at a quaint little shop near the base, where we sat outside, sipping slowly and watching the world go by. As evening fell, we stayed until around 8 PM to witness the "Blue Tears"—a magical spectacle where the dam lights up in a shimmering blue glow. The sight was nothing short of enchanting, a perfect way to end our day in this historic wonderland.